Erik Velasquez is the Senior Account Executive at PUBLICpr and is a Fashion & Lifestyle Influencer who has embraced Arizona as his home. He lives by the motto that “nothing will come to me in this world without putting in the work,” which we think is just fabulous! Learn more about Erik…
Hometown: Victorville, CA
First job: Pretzelmaker at the Mall of Victor Valley. I was 15 years old and felt like I was really going places.
Favorite AZ restaurant: It’s a toss up between House of Tricks in Tempe and The Stand in Phoenix. House of Tricks because our friend Scott Umscheid is the chef there and he always surprises us with some off-the-menu greatness and I always leave wanting more. The Stand because they make THE BEST short-rib tacos and have an awesome chocolate-chili milkshake that will satisfy your inner piggy.
Person who has impacted your life the most: My boyfriend because he has pushed me to be more confident in everything I do. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today in my business or personal life if it wasn’t for his constant guidance and support.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: In my eyes I feel like there’s still so much that I want to do that I don’t have anything to brag about at this time. Although I feel I’ve come a long way, I’m still just beginning my journey so you’ll have to come back to me with that question later on.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: The fear of starting over. When I moved to Phoenix from Las Vegas I had some good things going for me but I wasn’t happy. I knew I wanted to do something else. Coming to a new city where I only knew one person and nothing promised to me was scary but exciting. To this day I regret nothing and would do it over again twice.
Someone who inspires you: My mom inspires me every day. She has sacrificed and gone through so much for my sister and I to be able to have a good life so all I want to do is make a bright future for myself so I can repay her and make sure she can enjoy the rest of hers.
Favorite quote: I’ve never been a huge fan of quotes so there’s none that really stick out to me. I do have two greek phrases that I have tattooed on me that I try and live my life by every day. The first is “Kalepa Ta Kala” which translates to “Naught Without Labor.” This is to remind me that nothing will come to me in this world without putting in the work so it motivates me to keep pushing even when things seem so far out of reach. The second is “Vir Quisque Vir” which translates to “Every Man A Man” which to me means to never do anything that will compromise my integrity. My parents and family have taught me to always be humble and to live my life by strong moral principles, so whenever I catch something trying to test me I always say that phrase to myself and ask myself “what would my nieces and nephews or my future kids think about that choice?” That usually pushes me to make the right decisions in my every day life.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Don’t try to copy what anyone else is doing. Just be yourself and pave your own path.
What makes someone fabulous: The ability and courage to be themselves and have no regrets about it.
You can check out Erik’s website at the www.thefrenchytoast.com.
